Veterans offered military funeral rites, by law

Feb. 16, 2013

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LEFT: Joe Denaley and Steve McKay carry the flags. CENTER: Blanks fired to honor veterans during military rites. RIGHT: Honor Guard members place a pair of boots next to a rifle with its bayonet stuck in the ground to honor a veteran during a December ceremoney in West Lafayette. / PHOTOS By Mark Felix/ Journal & Courier

The law sets a minimum standard of two uniformed members of the military — with at least one from the veteran’s branch of the service — to be on hand to present the U.S. flag in thanks of a grateful nation.

The law also encourages veterans groups to form color guards, firing squads and buglers. Congress did not include funding with the law, so the tributes are done on a volunteer basis.

Funeral homes also can call on the Indiana Army National Guard honor guard unit, based at the Lafayette Armory. The unit, which works statewide, participates in roughly 300 funerals for veterans each year.

According to the law passed in 1999, every service with military honors must include a sounding of taps and a ceremonial folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the family. Additional honors could include three volleys over the grave from a firing party of three to eight rifle bearers.